12 March 2015

A census of population is normally taken every ten years and is carried out by the Census Office, part of the
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). The most recent Census took place on Sunday 27 March 2011.

The census is undertaken by law and in accordance with an EU Regulation. It is taken as it provides the
essential statistical information about the population and households for all parts of the country used by
the Government, business and other professional research/consultancy organisations.

Family history

Census records are a useful tool for researching family history, however, the Census Office is not able to
provide any personal information relating to individuals, Northern Ireland census forms remain secure and
confidential under the terms of The Census (Northern Ireland) Act 1969.